There's no doubt that this is a beautifully shot film. It's strong evidence of Terrence Malick's future mastery of expressive image. The young leads are charismatic enough to capture and hold our interest. If the film has a point of view, it seems to be how seductive an amoral "free spirit" can be to a young person who feels trapped in a dull life. Martin Sheen couldn't be better cast: James Dean-type looks, a great haircut that never changes over the course of the film, an ability to play an uncaring murderer without sacrificing the character's innate appeal. It's easy to see how Sissy Spacek's bored, small-town teenager is so easily led away by him. The characters' youth are the essential element --though both actors were older, Sheen was 33, Spacek in her 20s). The film is not judgmental of their actions, but the cold-bloodedness of Sheen's actions can at times have a chilling effect. It has many strengths, but this is far from Malick's best film--the voice-over narration goes on too long and isn't really necessary to begin with, and a few scenes seem to be marking time. For fans of the director, it mustn't be missed.
